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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Robert Hynes

'Ridiculous decision' blasted as Uini Atonio shown yellow and not red for challenge on Rob Herring

Wayne Barnes' decision to show Uini Atonio a yellow card rather than a red during Ireland's Six Nations clash with France left pundits and fans fuming.

Atonio's challenge on Rob Herring was very high and was clearly extremely dangerous, with the Ireland player needing to go off for a HIA afterwards.

Many felt the colour of the card would be red, but Barnes opted to give him a yellow instead.

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Hugh Cahill and Donal Lenihan were on commentary for RTE and blasted the call made by the referee.

Cahill said it was a "ridiculous decision" and Lenihan agreed, adding: "I'm flabbergasted that that's not red."

Bernard Jackman was also working on the game for RTE and stated: "Clear red for me."

A huge number of fans also took to social media to slam the decision.

One wrote: "That's one of the worst refereeing decisions in the history of the 6 Nations. A clear red card for France.."

Another added: "Wow that is usually given as a red card, so France very fortunate to get only a YC."

Someone else said: "France are extremely lucky that’s not a red card. Judgment call by Wayne Barnes. 80% of referees would have gone with a red, I think."

Ireland welcomed reigning Grand Slam champions France to Dublin seeking a record 13th consecutive victory to put themselves in the driving seat for Guinness Six Nations title glory.

Andy Farrell, who has yet to beat Les Bleus as head coach, was forced into one change from last weekend’s emphatic win in Wales, with Dan Sheehan’s hamstring injury handing a chance to back-up hooker Rob Herring.

France are the only visiting side to have won at the Aviva Stadium during Farrell’s tenure and arrived in fine form on the back of 14 victories in a row.

Despite an unconvincing bonus-point win over Italy in round one, head coach Fabien Galthie stuck with an unchanged starting XV.

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